Surge in Infiltration Attempts at Indo-Bangladesh Border: BSF Reports
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Synopsis
The BSF has enhanced security at the Indo-Bangladesh Border due to a spike in infiltration attempts. Recent events include the repulsion of numerous Bangladeshi nationals attempting to cross into India, highlighting escalating tensions and the challenges faced by border forces.
Key Takeaways
- Increased Infiltration: Regular attempts observed.
- Daily Repulsions: Illegal migrants pushed back almost daily.
- Border Coordination: Meetings with Bangladesh on security measures.
- Rising Smuggling: Increased cases of cattle and contraband smuggling.
- Self-defense Measures: BSF personnel forced to use firearms.
Kolkata, Jan 16 (NationPress) The Border Security Force (BSF) has announced that it has bolstered security measures along the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) in West Bengal due to a significant rise in infiltration attempts.
On Wednesday, five Bangladeshi nationals were repelled from Indian territory in the districts of North 24-Parganas and Malda, according to an official source.
On the previous day, 13 Bangladeshi infiltrators were also turned back in these districts, the official reported.
"The rate of infiltration has escalated noticeably in recent months. We are pushing back illegal Bangladeshi migrants almost daily. During questioning, the apprehended individuals claimed they intended to travel to cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru for jobs in labor and housekeeping. The situation can be quite tense; sometimes, women are part of these groups, and they have been known to distract BSF personnel to facilitate attacks. Our troops exercise considerable restraint, and if a Bangladeshi infiltrator refuses to comply, they are handed over to the police for appropriate legal proceedings," the official stated.
Another senior BSF official mentioned that approximately 40-45 Bangladeshis have been prevented from crossing over unfenced sections of the IBB in the last five days.
The BSF has also raised the issue of the necessity for a Single Row Fence (SRF) to mitigate cross-border crimes during the BSF-BGB Sector Commander's Border Coordination Meeting held at Benapole, Bangladesh, on Wednesday. The Bangladeshi side has expressed opposition to such fencing.
"The BSF adheres strictly to all principles of border management. On Wednesday, our personnel encountered a Bangladeshi who had inadvertently crossed the IBB. He was returned to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) as a goodwill gesture. The frequency of attempts to smuggle cattle, banned cough syrup, and other illicit items has also surged. Criminals have even attacked our female constables. In these conditions, BSF troops feel compelled to use force in self-defense," the official elaborated.
Late Thursday night, a female officer on duty spotted smugglers approaching the IBB from the Indian side with cattle.
She confronted the intruders and alerted her team. As the armed smugglers attempted to encircle her, she discharged two warning shots. This did not deter them.
Ultimately, she fired a round from her Pump Action Gun (PAG) at the smugglers, which caused them to scatter. A subsequent search of the area uncovered two heads of cattle.
While Bangladesh has criticized the fatalities of Bangladeshi smugglers due to BSF gunfire, the Indian border security force asserts that such measures are essential to protect the lives of personnel who vigilantly guard the IBB under challenging conditions.
